Ethics

Question 1

Define morality and ethics

Answer 1

…differentiate between “good” and “bad”/“right and “wrong”
* Morality: personal
* Ethics: standards to be used by a community/group

Question 2

Describe the 3 ethical theories

Answer 2

1. Consequentialism: action is right when outcome benefits greatest number of people (“most useful”).
2. Deontology: action is right if it follows a rule (which comes from social contract or ethics).
3. Virtue Ethics: action is right if it’s what a virtuous person will do.

Question 3

List the 10 ethical principles/values

Answer 3

1. Non-maleficence: prevent harm toward others
2. Justice: equitable and safe access to resources + fairness: benefits + risks + costs are equitably distributed
3. Respect for autonomy: self-governance + respect + free to act independently
4. Beneficence: prioritise patient centred care + promote safe use of medicine + doing good; actively kind
5. Spirit of Enquiry: commitment to continual professional and personal development
6. Integrity: adhering to morals + honesty + maintain public trust and confidence
7. Trustworthiness: provides accurate, truthful, relevant, independent, non-misleading information + reliable
8. Dignity: composed and serious manner + worthy of respect + protects confidentiality
9. Co-operation: working together
10. Compassion: understanding the suffering of others & wanting to do something about it

Question 4

How are clients vulnerable?

two reasons

Answer 4

1. There is an imbalance of expertise & power between client and professional.
2. Hard for client to assess the professional’s expertise & competence.

Question 5

State purpose of code of ethics

five explanations

Answer 5

States responsibilities and professional values.
A guide on what public can expect.
Framework on which conduct breaches can be judged.
Outline principles.
Ethics are a guide/framework.

Professional and personal autonomy overrules the code of ethics.